Doux et expressif

As Printed on a Score

Printed above or below the melodic line, often with p or pp, at the start of the phrase it shapes; it lasts until a new manner word. It is a common French way to mark a solo or a melody brought out within a soft texture.

How Composers Use It

Soft and expressive: the French dolce espressivo. It asks for a tender tone that still shapes the line, not a withdrawn pianissimo. Debussy marks the opening flute solo of Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune this way. Use it for melodies that must sing but stay intimate, and keep très doux for passages that should recede.

Example

Debussy, Images, “Reflets dans l’eau”, piano, m. 25: “doux et expressif” at pp.

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